Belgian pop star Angèle is preparing for the release of her third studio album, Instinct, following a massive commercial run with her lead single “What You Want,” according to Belgian media reports. Released on Feb. 25, the track—a collaboration with French electronic duo Justice—spent over two months at the top of the Ultratop chart in Wallonia, remaining on the charts for 26 weeks and garnering approximately 6,400 radio plays.
Chart Performance and Radio Success
“What You Want” serves as the primary commercial engine for Instinct, which is scheduled for release on Oct. 16. While the single dominated French-speaking Belgian radio, subsequent tracks from the upcoming album experienced a cooler reception. According to analysis by Ultratop and regional broadcasting data, singles like “Dis-le” faced friction due to an unconventional song structure featuring a distinct chorus and a sharp stylistic break at the finale. Meanwhile, another recent release, “Une seule vie,” drew criticism from listeners for leaning too heavily into the signature sound established on her breakout 2018 album, Brol.
Expanding International Audiences and Tour Dates
Despite mixed radio responses to certain pre-release tracks, demand for live performances remains strong. Angèle sold more than 100,000 tickets following the Sept. 4 launch of her tour ticket sales. Her scheduled shows on March 20 and 21 at the ING Arena are completely sold out, and additional dates were added in Paris—where she will perform at the Accor Arena—as well as in Nantes and Lyon.
This live momentum extends globally. Angèle’s upcoming world tour includes major dates across North America and Europe, with stops planned in the United States, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany. This international push builds on previous cross-border collaborations, including her duet “Fever” with Dua Lipa and her appearance performing “Night Call” alongside Kavinsky and Phoenix at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games.
Album Production and Creative Control
Reflecting on the creative process behind Instinct, Angèle stated that the project allowed her complete artistic autonomy. “I was able to make all the choices I wanted,” she noted regarding the production of the upcoming LP. This creative independence marks a maturation for the artist since her rise to fame with Brol in 2018, as she continues to balance social media engagement with broader musical experimentation.
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